Remembrance Day is never a happy occasion, but this year it was even more bleak than usual when the truncated parade took place in an almost empty Church Square on 8 November. Those who participated in the ceremonies, and those who just came to watch, were almost all wearing masks adding anonymity to an already sombre mood.
Known as Armistice Day in some countries, it is commemorated every year on the Sunday closest to 11 November. It was established to mark the end of the First World War when an armistice between warring parties ended hostilities on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. It has become a day when we remember all those who have fallen in war.
Even though it is a solemn event, it has always had a profound sense of occasion, with hundreds of spectators, military veterans, school children, those who have lost loved ones in battle and many other residents of Makhanda. Last Sunday, only a handful of school learners, veterans and other onlookers were present to lay wreaths, hear The Last Post and observe a minute’s silence.
Over the years, it has become standard practice for full marching bands from Kingswood and St Andrew’s schools to set a brisk tone for the parade, but this year it was different. There was no band from Kingswood, and their shiny brass instruments, dapper red shirts and black pants were sorely missed.
A greatly reduced pipe band from St Andrew’s College ensured there was some continuity for Remembrance Day in Makhanda. Wearing traditional kilts and uniforms, they played customary Scottish tunes on their bagpipes, snare drums and a single bass drum.
Reverend Rachel Ssekimpi, Chaplain at the Diocesan School for Girls, led the religious part of the ceremony with a prayer in honour of South Africans who have fallen not only in the World Wars but also in the conflicts of our region.
Mayor Mzukisi Mpahlwa led a small delegation representing the Makana Council in laying a wreath at the war memorial behind the Cathedral in Church Square. Several branches of the military, the South African Police Services and various Makhanda schools also paid their respects.
